Is the EB-4 overseen by the Department of State and USCIS?

The EB-4 visa, intended for certain categories of special immigrants, involves both USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the Department of State, but each agency operates at specific stages of the process.

For those applying for the EB-4, USCIS is initially responsible for reviewing and approving the petition within the United States. This means that when submitting your application, USCIS reviews the documents and verifies whether the applicant meets the legal requirements for the EB-4 classification.

Once the petition is approved, if the applicant is outside the United States, the next step usually takes place through a U.S. consulate or embassy, where the Department of State assumes responsibility for processing the visa. During the consular stage, the Department of State conducts interviews and evaluates the applicant’s admissibility for visa issuance.

Therefore, while USCIS handles the bureaucratic and technical part of the process within U.S. territory – such as eligibility analysis – the Department of State comes into play for the final phase of the process outside the United States, when the applicant needs to obtain the visa to travel to the country.

It is essential to comply with all immigration laws and regulations by using updated and reliable information. Additionally, consulting official sources or specialized professionals is recommended to avoid misunderstandings, scams, or unfounded promises present in marketing campaigns that guarantee guaranteed results.

Proper observance of procedures increases the chances that the process will proceed in a regular manner and within the law. Please note that this information is for informational purposes only and, for specific cases, it is always prudent to seek detailed clarification through official channels or qualified professionals in the immigration field.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.